Belgium airports impacted by another nationwide strike

Another nationwide strike is taking place in Belgium on Tuesday, 12 May, and it is expected to cause major issues at the country’s main airports EBBR/Brussels and EBCI/Charleroi.

The last major strike on 12 March did not involve ATC, but airport ops were still heavily affected. Airlines had to cancel all departures and in some cases arrivals at both EBBR and EBCI. BizAv at Brussels saw only minor delays to services, while at Charleroi availability was still being evaluated on the day.

For the upcoming strike on 12 May, the situation appears similar in terms of airport staffing. ATC involvement has not been reported, so BizAv services should remain largely unaffected despite the wider airport disruptions.

In addition to the airport impact, significant delays to public transport are expected across Belgium, affecting trains and local services. Plan for extra time getting to and from the airport.

Here’s what we currently know about the impact of the strike at the main airports:

EBBR/Brussels

Notam issued restricting departing passenger flights:

A1334/26 - AD LTD DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION. FORCE MAJEURE. 
ACFT OPERATORS ARE TO CANCEL 60 PCT OF THEIR DEP PASSENGER FLIGHTS. 
GENAV/CARGO FLIGHTS EXC.

The airport has announced that airlines are required to cancel 60% of departing passenger flights due to severely reduced staffing levels, including security personnel participating in the strike. Cargo flights and ferry flights are exempt from the restrictions and are expected to continue operating normally.

For BizAv, the outlook is better. Local handlers report no expected disruption, as ATC is not expected to be affected by the strike.

Contact: hostess.belgium@execujet.com.

EBCI/Charleroi

The airport has confirmed a full cancellation of both arrivals and departures for airline traffic on 12 May due to strike-related staffing shortages:

A1428/26 - DUE TO A NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ACTION - FORCE MAJEURE, STAFFING
LEVEL OF MANY OPR PARTNERS WILL BE SEVERELY IMPACTED. 100 PERCENT
REDUCTION FOR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING FLIGHTS IS REQUIRED. AIRLINES
ARE REQUIRED TO CANCEL THEIR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING FLIGHTS IN THIS
TIMEFRAME.

All commercial flights will be cancelled for the day. However, based on previous similar strikes, BizAv movements may still be able to operate through the executive terminal, provided ATC remains operational.

Contact: general.aviation@charleroi-airport.com

Belgium airports impacted by another nationwide strike